On June 26 the world commemorates the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, recognised and fully supported by the United Nations (UN). This day marks the coming into force of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) on 26 June 1987.  The state of Swaziland became a party to this convention some 17 years later on 26 March 2004 without any reservations. Swaziland not only signed and acceded to this convention, but went further to domesticate the prohibition against torture in the Constitution of Swaziland, 2006.

All the above notwithstanding, the state continues to be either actively involved in or to turn a blind eye on torture. Reports of suspects dying in police custody, workers assaulted by state police, suspects shot and killed by the army, as well as suspected poachers tortured and killed by game rangers (wielding immunity under the Game Act 1991) and private farm owners have come to characterise law enforcement in Swaziland.

The Centre for Human Rights and Development (www.dignityfirst.org) believes that such an approach is untenable for dignified human existence. It further believes that the role of the state in law enforcement is to ensure human dignity and that the fundamental rights of all citizens are not violated. It therefore calls upon the government of Swaziland to:

1.       Take its obligations under the CAT seriously.

2.       Act quickly to stop and prevent state-sponsored violence and torture on unarmed civilians.

3.       Prosecute state agents involved in acts of torture.

4.       Prosecute Game Rangers acting in terms of The Game Act 1991 who are responsible for violence against and deaths suspects.

5.       Sensitise its security forces with a view to stemming out institutionalised torture.